Summary of Can Christians serve unjust governments?

Overview of "Can Christians serve unjust governments?" — Ask N.T. Wright Anything

This episode of Ask N.T. Wright Anything (hosts Michael Bird and N. T. Wright) tackles three listener questions: whether Christians can serve unjust governments, how the Old and New Covenants relate and when the transition occurs, and the current strengths and struggles of Anglicanism. Wright gives detailed biblical, historical, and practical responses, emphasizing nuance, the “now/not‑yet” character of the New Covenant, and the ongoing appeal of Anglican liturgy despite institutional strains.

Key points and main takeaways

• Christians serving unjust governments
  • The Bible affirms civil authority as God‑ordained (e.g., John 19: Pilate’s authority is acknowledged), but that does not mean uncritical obedience.
  • Scripture insists on ordered government (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2) and rejects anarchy, while also recognizing that rulers can fail their God‑given role.
  • There is moral obligation to refuse unlawful or immoral orders (soldiers cannot use “just following orders” to excuse war crimes). Refusal may require resignation or accepting penalties.
  • Biblical examples show nuance: Paul confronted magistrates about abuse of power; Elisha’s response to Naaman shows pastoral discernment when an official’s role forces public compromise.
• Old vs New Covenant
  • The New Covenant is inaugurated in Christ (Last Supper, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension) and rooted in Jeremiah’s promise and the letter to the Hebrews.
  • There is strong continuity with the Abrahamic promise; the Mosaic covenant is presented in Paul as a time‑limited arrangement that finds its fulfillment in Christ (Galatians).
  • The New Covenant has been inaugurated (“something has happened”), but there is a “now and not yet” overlap as the renewing effects work out in history (the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD is a dramatic fulfillment but not the only marker).
• State of Anglicanism
  • Strengths: deep scriptural grounding in worship, historic liturgy (Book of Common Prayer), the via media theological identity, global breadth and ancient roots.
  • Struggles: fractured authority and governance (no papacy), disputes over sexuality and leadership (2003 consecration fallout, GAFCON tensions), challenges maintaining global unity amid divergent cultures and demographics.
  • A central value is the conviction that proper ministry and sacraments remain effective regardless of a minister’s personal failings — which keeps people attached to Anglican corporate worship.
  • Wright calls for better episcopal character, clearer structures of shared authority, and continued focus on liturgy and Scripture as unifying strengths.

Topics addressed (with scriptural and practical references)

• Authority and obedience
  • John 19 (Jesus and Pilate) — recognition of civil authority
  • Romans 13, 1 Peter 2 — Christian submission to governing authorities
  • Acts (Paul in Philippi and elsewhere) — confronting rulers for failing their role
  • Military ethics — obligation to refuse unlawful commands; accountability for war crimes
• Conscience and compromise
  • Elisha and Naaman — pastoral nuance where public role forces actions that look like compromise
  • Practical threshold: obey law‑abiding, moral directions; refuse and resign or accept consequences when asked to act immorally/illegally
• Covenantal theology
  • Jeremiah (new covenant promise), Hebrews (fulfillment in Christ), Galatians (Mosaic covenant as temporary), 2 Corinthians 3–5 (Moses/Torah typology and renewal)
  • The New Covenant is inaugurated but unfolds across history (now/not‑yet)
• Anglican identity and polity
  • Liturgy as Scripture‑centered formation: regular public Scripture readings, psalms, canticles, creedal affirmation, corporate prayer
  • Via media: Protestant/Reformed roots with retention of ancient liturgical tradition
  • Institutional challenges: authority structures, Lambeth/primates/consultative councils under strain, demographic shift to Global South

Notable quotes and insights

• “Anarchy is even worse than tyranny.” — emphasizes the biblical preference for ordered governance, even if imperfect.
• “The unworthiness of the minister does not hinder the effectiveness of the sacrament.” — summary of a classic Reformation insight that sustains attachment to liturgical churches.
• On the covenant: the New Covenant is both a climactic fulfillment and a present renewal — inaugurated in Christ, working out historically (the “now and not yet”).

Practical guidance (what listeners can do)

• If you serve in government:
  • Pray and evaluate whether your role advances justice and the common good.
  • Obey lawful, moral directives; if asked to perform illegal/immoral acts, refuse and be prepared to resign or face consequences.
  • Where possible, use your position to hold authorities accountable (like Paul addressing magistrates).
• For churches and parishioners worried about denominational divisions:
  • Value liturgy and Scripture reading as unifying practices.
  • Push for accountable episcopal leadership and constructive conversation about authority and doctrine.
  • Recognize global Anglican demographics — engage with the worldwide church’s realities rather than local assumptions.

Recommended passages and reading (from the discussion)

• Bible: John 19; Romans 13; 1 Peter 2; Acts (Paul and civic authorities); Jeremiah (new covenant); Galatians 3–4; 2 Corinthians 3–5; Hebrews (esp. foundational argument about priesthood and covenant).
• Books by N. T. Wright mentioned or relevant:
  • Jesus and the Powers (co‑authored by Wright & others) — on powers, state, and spiritual/civic authority.
  • Wright’s commentaries (e.g., Galatians, Ephesians) — for covenantal theology context.
• Anglican resources: Book of Common Prayer (various editions) — for understanding Anglican liturgy and formation.

Bottom line

Wright urges a balanced, biblically informed realism: governments have God‑given, necessary roles, but Christians owe a higher allegiance to Christ and must refuse immoral or unlawful orders. The New Covenant in Christ is inaugurated now yet still unfolds historically (so both continuity and discontinuity with the Mosaic order apply). Anglicanism’s liturgical and scriptural richness remains a powerful draw, even as the tradition wrestles with governance and unity in a globally diverse communion.